“While I am so warmed by your rescue, why are you here? You got signed by the Tigres, right? My phone took a snow bath and doesn’t work right. Shouldn’t you be in Mexico?” I asked. “Congrats, by the way. I told you they’d sign you.”
“You did. We’re on the road on the West Coast. People were panicking because you’ve been incommunicado for so long, but no one was doing anything about it. So, I contacted Lenny-the-fence, and as soon as my game was over, I took the ultra-bullet out, and made lasagna while waiting for your location. I brought Mercy with me for backup, because Clark has a game and Tenzin’s in Portland until after New Year,” she replied. “Are you going to let my friends go? Whyaremy friends hostages, Fiona?”
Fiona rolled her eyes. “I mated with them and now my dads are pissed. Overprotective alphaholes for the win, right?”
“You mated with them? Amazing. Also, I feel you on the overprotective alphaholes.” Gwen made a face. “Being the youngest can suck ass. Wait, Carlos, why didn’t I know that you have a girlfriend?”
“Um, I met her at JP’s wedding–she was there for the other wedding. I was planning on introducing her to everyone at Dimitri’s New Year’s party. All those times you thought I was texting my ex? I was actually texting her,” I explained. “It’s new and I didn’t want to jinx it.”
Gwen’s hand went to her heart. “Aww. I love it. I don’t know if I’ll be able to make Dimitri’s party now, but you’ll get to meet one of my boyfriends.”
“What exactly is your plan here?” Mercy asked.
“Well, ideally, Fiona’s fathers will let us go, and we’ll go back to New York to figure things out?” I offered.
“They’ll be okay, I promise,” Fiona stated.
Gwen shot me an anxious look. “Will you be okay? I’m not afraid to call the police. Also, should I text someone, everyonereally is worried. Missing games isn’t like you.”
“Come back for me if you don’t hear from me in two days?” I added.
“Okay.” She frowned and looked at her phone. “If you really are okay, I actually should get back to my team. I kinda cut out right after the game against the Storms, said I had to take care of some shit, and that I’d meet them in Portland.”
“I really appreciate that. Get back to your team before you get in trouble. Just send a proof of life shot to my cousin–and let Clark know you found me,” I replied.
Gwen whipped out her phone, took a picture of me and then took a picture of Hale. She nodded. “Got proof of life. Dusty, I’m really sad that I’ll miss you singing the National Anthem and your charity game. Have a good time.”
“I have a few hours before I need to be anywhere if you need me to stay, Hale,” Mercy gave the dads a menacing look.
“We’re okay, Mercy,” Hale reassured her. “I really appreciate you coming.”
“Of course.” She turned to Fiona. “My brother is a good guy.” Mercy looked at the dads. “You’re not going to want to mess with him much. His connections are unexpected.”
Finn snorted.
“You’re Have No Mercy aren’t you? I follow you online. Your videos are so fun.” Nora came back in. “Are you dating my Aunt Fiona too? Why are all these amazing famous people in the living room?”
“Hi! Nope, I’m not dating anyone. The tall guy is my brother, and I came to make sure he was okay. This is my friend, Ladybug–Gwen. She’s a goalie for the Mexico City Tigres,” Mercy explained.
“Oooh. Are you dating Aunt Fiona? Though you sort of look like you’d be dating Saoirse,” she asked Gwen.
“You’re going to love Saoirse. She’s dealing with bullshit, otherwiseI’d introduce you,” Fiona said.
“She’s outside yelling at people in Irish,” Tommy added. “She knows so many bad words.”
I’m sure she did.
Gwen switched to Spanish. “Are you sure you’re going to be okay? I don’t want to leave you if you’re in trouble.”
“I’ll be fine Mariquita. Get back to your team. I made a mess and I now have to fix it, but I don’t regret anything,” I replied.
“That’s the best way to do it,” she said.
“You should leave. This is a family matter.” Finn gave them a sharp look.
“Carlos is my family. But if he says he’s fine, then I have a train to catch.” Gwen glared at her dads. “I’m watching you. I should have Lenny pay you a visit.”
One of the dads escorted the two of them out.
